John Baker, Ronny Paulino helping Marlins forget about Pudge

Good morning from Houston. It’s mid-August and the Marlins are in the post-season hunt again, a sentinment caputured nicely by Steve Wine of the Associated Press in this story.

Remember last March when the Marlins were trying to sign Pudge Rodriguez? The didn’t. Pudge, along with his Hall of Fame credentials, went to Houston. And the Marlins are getting solid contributions from the catching tandem of John Baker and Ronny Paulino.
Baker’s hiitting .281 with 8 homers and 38 RBI. Paulino is hitting .273 with 6 homers and 18 RBI. Pudge is hitting .251 with 8 homers and 34 RBI.

If you had it to do over again, do you want Pudge or Baker-Paulino?

Speaking of future Hall of Famers, pitcher John Smoltz become a free agent Wednesday once he clears unconditional waivers. Expect the Marlins to make a strong push for his services.

And finally… the Marlins may be in Houston but Billy the Marlin is as close as Delray Beach. The Marlins mascot will appear at the Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Company, 14451 S. Military Trail, Delray Beach (just north of Atlantic Avenue) from 11 a.m. to noon on Thursday. Owner Steve Fassberg will be making a $500 check presentation to the Florida Marlins Community Foundation.